Using social networking, mobile apps, and other new technologies, how can the power of health data be unleashed to increase awareness of health problems and inspire positive action at the community level? The IOM and NAE challenge college and university students to use health data to develop effective, innovative apps that take on the nation’s pressing health issues.

How can the power of health data be unleashed to increase awareness of health problems and inspire positive action at the community level?

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) of the National Academies challenge college and university students to use health data to develop effective, innovative apps that take on the nation’s pressing health issues.

With an abundance of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) data and other health data available as part of the Health Data Initiative (HDI), students have an unprecedented opportunity to create interactive apps and other tools that engage and empower people in ways that lead to better health. Working in interdisciplinary teams that meld technological skills with health knowledge, the IOM and NAE believe that college students can generate exciting and powerful new products – the next “viral” apps - to improve health for communities and individuals.

To “Go Viral To Improve Health”:

Identify a health problem in your college’s surrounding community

Assemble an interdisciplinary student team

Develop an app using data from the HHS Health Indicators Warehouse and other data sources

Demonstrate how your solution will engage people in your community to promote action that will improve their health